COUNCILLORS unanimously rejected plans for a house in the large garden of an Edwardian property in Chester's suburbs.

The application was put forward by Mr C Robson at 78 Panton Road in Hoole on the corner with Canadian Avenue.

The new property would use an existing access on Canadian Avenue, councillors were told in a report, while 78 Panton Road would have a new access on to Panton Road itself.

No objections were raised by the highway authority but C J and K Stephenson at 74 Panton Road suggested the new access would be 'dangerous' as cars would need to swing out into the opposite side of the road to enter the gateway.

Cars travelling in the opposite direction, particularly those turning into Panton Road from Canadian Avenue 'would make the situation doubly dangerous', they believed.

The road is used by learner drivers of cars and motorcycles seven days a week for manoeuvres, including 'three-point turns', they said, and Panton Road has become a rat run.

It was also claimed a covenant restricted development on the plot to one house only.

At 76 Panton Road, J W C Smith and P Kershaw were concerned the 'pleasant appearance' of the property at No 78, which is in multiple occupation, could be obscured by proposed car parking arrangements on the Panton Road frontage of the dwelling.

And T D D Mallinson at 72 Panton Road supported concerns about the 'serious risk' to other road users from cars entering the new driveway and argued the development 'will result in yet further erosion of the amenities and character of the neighbour-hood'.

Highway engineers did not believe the development would be detrimental to highway safety, planning officer Judith Gordon reported.

The red brick and slate roof house had been designed to complement Edwardian properties fronting Panton Road and would be more appropriate than a modern detached house or bungalow, she said.

Key design features representing those of Edwardian properties had been introduced as well as conservation area-type roof-lights.

Mrs Gordon did not believe the development would have any adverse impact on the amenities of people living nearby and recommended the application should be approved.

Cllr Jane Mercer (Lab, Lache Park) said she was concerned about the new vehicular access from Panton Road and believed it would be a danger 'so near to the junction'.

The existing entrance from Canadian Avenue should be moved and a new joint drive formed, she suggested.

The access on to Panton Road, believed Cllr Mercer, 'would be very unsightly and very dangerous'.

Planning chairman Colin Bain (Lib Dem, Upton Grange) said the ridge height of the proposed dwelling, which he described as three-storey, was 'considerably higher' than that of adjoining properties.

Cllr Barbara Roberts (Con, Tarvin) thought the house would be forward of the building line.

The planning board agreed it was not opposed to the principle of development on the corner plot, but rejected the plans because the property and the new access on to Panton Road would be harmful to the character and appearance of the area.